IAS Prelims GS Questions and Answers - Oct 08 & 09, 2016

1)   Cohort Study Centre has been recently launched in

a. New Delhi
b. Mumbai
c. Thiruvananthapuram
d. Chennai
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: New Delhi

Explanation:

  • AIIMS Cohort Study Centre has been launched in New Delhi.
  • The AIIMS Cohort Study is unique and probably one of its kind combining conventional and novel risk factors, genomics and neuroimaging to determine protective and risk factors for stroke and cognitive decline.
  • Unique also in a way that AIIMS is going to people, rather than people coming to AIIMS.
  • By creating awareness about healthy aging and making assessment of their general and brain health, the study provides an opportunity for people to prevent disease and promote their health.
  • By carrying out repeated general and brain health assessment through MRI and memory testing and genetic testing, the study will throw light on novel protective and predictive factors.
  • The knowledge and understanding thus gained will help the people to prevent stroke and cognitive decline.


2)   Which of the following is/are true regarding the Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR)?

1) India’s population above 60 years age is estimated to increase from 100 million in 2011 to 500 million in 2050.
2) AIIMS Cohort Study Centre is to determine only the lifestyle and socioeconomic risk factors for the occurrence of stroke, heart attack, etc.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:

  • The focus of the study at AIIMS Cohort Study Centre is to determine genetic, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors that are protective or risk factors for the occurrence of stroke, heart attack or cognitive decline in persons aged 50 years and above.
  • The study is supported by the Department of Bio-Technology, M/o Science & Technology, Government of India with contributions from the Erasmus University, Netherlands.
  • India has made outstanding gains in terms of increase in life-expectancy. As a result, India’s older population will increase dramatically over the next four decades.
  • Population above 60 years age is estimated to increase from 100 million in 2011 to 323 million in 2050.
  • This demographic transition is set to increase disease burden due to various non-communicable diseases. Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, cerebro vascular diseases are likely to top the list of causes of disease burden.


3)   What are ‘Jagagharas’?

a. A pot used to carry liquids preferably water
b. Cultural institution
c. Fighters who fight during festivals for entertainment
d. Name given to army during ancient India
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Cultural institution

Explanation:

  • There are many traditional old cultural institutions known as “Jagagharas” in Puri.
  • The Jagaghara where certain activities such as bathing in ponds, playing cards, relaxing, and spending time with friends are done.
  • Most of these activities are carried on by males. The kids and young boys get involved in body building and wrestling, during this course, they stay away from females.
  • A Jagagharas ought to have a temple and a tank.
  • In these temples, the idols of Lord Mahavir Hanuman are worshipped. Lord Hanuman is considered the symbol of celibacy, dedication and physical strength.


4)   Which of the following is/are true regarding ‘Jagagharas’?

1) Jagagharas, a cultural institution of Puri, have played active role as paramilitary organizations.
2) They will be revived under the HRIDAY Scheme.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

  • Under the HRIDAY Scheme, several jagagharas will be revived in Puri.
  • The Jaga Culture of Jagagharas was established in ancient times in Puri, Orissa.
  • Several historical evidences say that Jagagharas have played active role as paramilitary organizations.
  • Jagagharas are not popular among tourists. Jagagharas were formed by Sangas (friends), the group of people. In every street in Puri, one can easily notice one or more Jagagharas.
  • Akhadas are said to be the apex bodies of all the Jagagharas.
  • For the people of Puri, the Jagagharas are said to be the cultural centers where the traditional equipments like a bed for wrestling also known as the Phulka, woods of various shapes and sizes such as the musical instruments such as the Mardala and a tank with an open space are kept.
  • Dance forms such as the Gotipua dance and the songs such as the Odishi songs are also performed in Jagas.
  • The sheltered trees, crystal clear peaceful water of the water tank and the cool and relaxing ambiance serve the purpose of these Jagagharas.
  • Saanga (friends), Sangeeta and the Bhanga are known to be few mediums of having fun and getting entertained.


5)   What is ‘Sahi Jatra’?

a. A tax
b. Form of Street play
c. Name given to soldiers
d. A tribe
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Form of Street play

Explanation:

  • The Sahi Jatra is said to be an amazing form of street play.
  • On Rama Navami, the Sahi Jatra commences. These plays depict the birth of Lord Rama.
  • The Sahi Jatra lasts as long for about a fortnight and during the night time several customary Sahi localities also take part in this magnificent celebration.
  • The Sahi Jatra of any particular street begins its procession to any of its competitor streets or to the Balisahi.
  • All members of the take active participation in the Sahi Jatras.
  • The procession of Chandan Jatra commences from Jagagharas only. All the members of Jagaghara the auspicious Narendra Tank.
  • Later on they all go to the Jamunagadhua after Krushnajanma.


6)   Which of the following is/are true regarding ‘Gotipua’?

1) It is a traditional dance form of Odisha
2) It is performed by young girls and is for worship of Jagannath.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 1

Explanation:

  • Gotipua is a traditional dance form in the state of Odisha, India, and the precursor of Odissi classical dance.
  • It has been performed in Orissa for centuries by young boys, who dress as women to praise Jagannath and Krishna.
  • The dance is executed by a group of boys who perform acrobatic figures inspired by the life of Radha and Krishna.
  • The boys begin to learn the dance at an early age until adolescence, when their androgynous appearance changes.
  • In the Odia language Gotipua, means "single boy" (goti-pua).
  • Raghurajpur, Odisha (near Puri) is an historic village known for its Gotipua dance troupes.


7)   What does ‘SAGAR’ stands for?

a. Security and Growth for All in the Region
b. Sustainability and Growth for All in the Region
c. Sustainability and Growth for All Regions
d. Sustainability, Accessibility and Growth for All in the Region
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Security and Growth for All in the Region

Explanation:

  • Government’s SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) initiative is for inclusive development.
  • It is a maritime initiative which gives priority to Indian Ocean region.
  • It is to ensure peace, stability and prosperity of India in Indian Ocean region.
  • The goal is to seek a climate of trust and transparency; respect for international maritime rules and norms by all countries; sensitivity to each other`s interests; peaceful resolution of maritime issues; and increase in maritime cooperation.


8)   Fixed Term Employment has been introduced for which of the following industry recently?

a. Agricultural Labourers
b. Apparel Manufacturing Sector
c. Construction Sector
d. Food Processing Sector
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Apparel Manufacturing Sector

Explanation:

  • The Fixed Term Employment has been introduced in Apparel Manufacturing sector in Industrial Employment (Standing Order ) Act vide Notification dated 7.10.2016 of Ministry of Labour and Employment.
  • The decision would facilitate employment of workers in Apparel manufacturing on fixed term basis in the backdrop of seasonal nature of sector.
  • It would also ensure same working conditions, wages and other benefits for fixed term employee in the sector as a regular employee.


9)   Which of the following is/are true regarding Fixed Term Employment?

1) It is defined as workman who is employed on contract basis for a fixed period.
2) However on the termination of fixed term employment of the workman, the workman is entitled to notice of termination.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Only 1

Explanation:

  • The concept of Fixed Term Employment define the tenure of employment as well as other associated conditions of service and remunerations, which are provided to regular employees under various labour laws.
  • Fixed term employment was defined as a workman who is employed on a contract basis for a fixed period.
  • Thus the services of workman will be automatically terminated as a result of non-renewal of the contract between the employer and the workman concerned. Separation of service of a workman as a result of non-renewal of the contract of employment between the employer and workman concerned shall not be construed as termination of employment.
  • On the termination of fixed term employment of the workman the workman is not entitled to any notice or pay in lieu thereof.


10)   Which of the following is/are true regarding the Fixed Term Employment introduced in the Apparel Manufacturing Sector?

1) The working conditions in terms of working hours, wages, allowances and other statutory dues of a fixed term employee would be at par with permanent workmen.
2) The employer can directly hire a worker for a fixed term without mediation of any contractor.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

  • The seasonal nature of Textile sector results in fluctuation of demand and hence requires flexibility in employing worker.
  • The working conditions in terms of working hours, wages, allowances and other statutory dues of a fixed term employee would be at par with permanent workmen.
  • A fixed term worker will also be eligible for all statutory benefits available to a permanent workman proportionately according to the period of service rendered by him even though his period of employment does not extend to the qualifying period of employment required in the statute.
  • The employer can directly hire a worker for a fixed term without mediation of any contractor.